HNBA was invited to a meeting earlier this week regarding updates for Marcus Garvey Park.

The meeting was chaired by Commissioner Castro. He welcomed everyone and stated that the federal package relief will ensure that the budget is fully funded for staffing, maintenance and pool program. He is working with the Assistant Commissioner and his staff to start a new initiative: a Park Enforcement Station (PEP) which exists already in other parks.

Administrator Jana La Sorte reported on that initiative with Calderon:

• She is excited to work with Captain Calderon. They are meeting on March 17 in AM to review the facility where the PEP will be located,close to the pool.
• The PEP will have a staff of 5 plus one Sargeant. The hours of patrol will be 8 am to 6:30 pm, 7 days a week. 
• The PEP will address mostly quality of life issues in the park, can issue summonses and make arrests. Will be equipped with walkie-talkies.
• The PEP will also work on specific projects in the evening or night, and hours of patrol can be flexible according to seasons or needs.
• Jana is working with the Central Park conservation team to address the issue of erosion on the west side of the Acropolis.
• She is providing support to the group led by Melanie responsible for the dog run: they want to add an area with gravel, improve drainage and Melanie suggested a water fountain for the dogs.
• The Litter Ambassadors program starts next month and Jana is recruiting volunteers. They will be paired to go around the park and offer orange garbage bags to visitors and ask them to dispose of their trash.
• Jana encourages everyone to visit the park’s website for additional information about these initiatives.
• The Harlem Youth Gardeners program is being launched now and offer decent pay for the jobs.
• There are requests for programming in the amphitheater and schools graduations as well.
• She is looking to increase volunteering in the park and will send flyers out to promote initiatives such as: Adopt a Tree, Adopt a Bench.

Robert Mc Lean, Regional Park Manager, reported working for two months with some corporate groups.

• So far 29 hardwood trees have been planted, mainly oak.
• There are two gardeners on staff and he is looking to have volunteers sign up.
• A new garden of about 650 square feet was planted at the Drummers’ Circle.

Officers Brigante and Lau gave the 25th Precinct report

• The 25th Precinct is working with the department of Homeless Services and Social Services. 
• There is a marked decrease of homeless people in the park.
• The crime level has been related to the encampment on the stage.
• A request was made to install cameras by the playgrounds and basketball court.The commissioner stated that at this time there is no funding for cameras. The budget needed is for the maintenance of the cameras.Cameras were also requested previously for the Acropolis but could not be installed because there is no access to electricity at that site.The Commissioner will follow up and report back on the cost for cameras.

Alexandra Long reported that less activity of homeless was noted in the park also. 

Connie Lee also commented on the decrease of homelessness in the park

• The Homeless Outreach program will continue to distribute masks and increase the number distributed from 250 to 500 week, thanks to a new sponsor for masks.
• New York Company foundation has provided funding for Arts in the park.
• Art installations will go up in Morningside park and murals in Marcus Garvey park, mostly semi-permanent or permanent.
• the MG Park Alliance is working with multiple community groups on community engagement initiatives.
• Small groups of people will be on the grounds to talk to park goers and collect information. The results will be compiled into a report and presented to sponsors as a multigroup effort for fundraising.
• the Harlem Youth Gardeners program starting this spring will hire youth at $18 per hour.
  Madlyn Stokely reported looking forward to developing a relationship and working with Park Alliance. She voiced concerns over the number of cars parked at the entrance of the pool area. The Commissioner will look into this issue.

Rene Cuenca: The Partnership for Parks is getting ready for the summer season

• It will launch at the end of March the “It’s my Park” event. Will send out information when the plans solidify,
• Working with Harlem Wellness Center on Project Healing. (to address racial issues?). Steve Simon reported working on two capital projects, one is to rehabilitate the recreation center

Many thanks to Cecile for these amazing notes.